Financial stress may age the heart as much as clinical risk factors

A Mayo Clinic Proceedings study analyzing more than 280,000 adults found that higher reported financial stress and food insecurity were associated with more advanced cardiovascular aging, and the link persisted after accounting for traditional medical risk factors.

A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings examined how financial stress and food insecurity relate to measures of heart health. Researchers analyzed data from more than 280,000 adults who completed surveys about social and economic factors and underwent clinical cardiovascular evaluations. The team used a measure called cardiovascular age to compare biological heart and vessel health with chronological age. CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen explained how chronic financial strain might be linked to changes in heart structure and function. Key findings: - The analysis included over 280,000 adults with detailed social and clinical information. - Higher reported financial stress and food insecurity were associated with more advanced cardiovascular aging. - The association remained after accounting for traditional medical risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes. - Cardiovascular age refers to structural and functional changes in the heart and blood vessels that increase disease risk. - The study does not establish that financial stress directly causes accelerated heart aging. Summary: The research indicates that social and economic conditions, including financial strain and food insecurity, are linked with measures of heart aging and may add to established clinical risk factors. This finding underscores the role of social determinants in cardiovascular health. Undetermined at this time.